The American Red Cross and the University of Maine at Presque Isle’s Residence Life Office are teaming up to pull off the University’s fourth “Super Blood Drive” this summer, the time of year when the need for blood increases.

The Super Blood Drive will be held from 11:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Monday, June 27 in Wieden Gymnasium. The event is being sponsored by the University, UMPI’s Phi Eta Sigma National Honor Society and Presque Isle Pizza Hut, and cosponsored by Big Cheese, Country Farm’s Market, Freihofer’s Bakery, L.L. Bean, Pat’s Pizza, and Wal-Mart.

Each year, the UMPI Residence Life Office helps the Red Cross coordinate three blood drives on campus, one in the summer, one in the fall and one in the spring. Since 1987, 3,590 pints of blood have been collected at UMPI. According to the American Red Cross, the need for blood increases during the summer months. The reasons are two-fold: People are more active during the summer and thus are more likely to receive injuries that require blood, and the amount of donations decreases during the summer due to people being busy.

At the June 27 Super Blood Drive, all presenting donors will receive a Pizza Hut personal pan pizza coupon, a 2011 Red Cross T-shirt, and a free day pass to any Maine state park. Donors will also have their names entered into a drawing for one of the following prizes: An Old Town canoe/kayak package, an L.L. Bean Acadia Cruiser Bike, or a free white water excursion for one through North Country Rivers.

Everyone is encouraged to help save lives at one of the largest American Red Cross blood drives in Aroostook County. Call 1-800-GIVE LIFE [1-800-448-3543] or log onto www.newenglandblood.org to make your life-saving appointment today. The goal of the Super Blood Drive is to collect at least 300 pints of life-saving blood.

If you are not interested in donating, but would like to help out, be a volunteer. Volunteers are needed for the following tasks: 9-11:30 a.m. – Set up tables and chairs prior to the blood drive; 11:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. – Escorting donors to the canteen and working the canteen; 5:30-8 p.m. – Taking down tables and chairs.

For more information about this event, call 768-9585.